“Wine of Peace” Exhibition Opens at the OPCW

3 March 2014

The Director-General opened an exhibition today at OPCW headquarters in The Hague featuring a collection of renowned “Wine of Peace” bottles and labels created by famous artists from around the globe.  The exhibition was coordinated and promoted by the Embassy of Italy.

The Wine of Peace, produced by Cantina Produttori Cormons in north-eastern Italy, blends grapes from more than 600 different vines from five continents to symbolize the coming together of nations within the ancient tradition of wine-making. The labels have been designed and composed by artists, poets and intellectuals from more than 20 countries over the three decades since the first vintage was released in 1985.

“The Wine of Peace represents the gathering of nations in a single glass of a beverage the world has enjoyed since ancient times,” said OPCW Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü at the exhibition’s opening. “It is especially fitting that this exhibition is hosted by the OPCW, the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and here in The Hague, the international City of Peace and Justice.”

Italian Ambassador Francesco Azzarello warmly welcomed the OPCW’s hosting of the exhibition.  “This wine and exhibition capture the true soul of the world, brotherhood and reconciliation – all in a glass of wine at the OPCW.”

The creator of the Wine of Peace, Master Winemaker Luigi Soini, attended the opening.  Art curator Luigi Caprile commented on the historical significance of the exhibition to guests.